Whether this is your first time at a hotel or you are a regular, you should always be a member of the chain’s loyalty program.

There isn’t a charge to join and – with your very first stay – you start gaining points. Points can be used for free nights and other perks. Some programs (like Hilton Honors) will even let you exchange points for miles in airline programs.

Members of the hotel’s loyalty program also have a better chance of getting upgrades, so make it a habit to join the program.